FMCG set for growth as GST issues wind down

A GST-LED FORMALISATION and more disposable incomes in the hands of people could support consumption growth, particularly in foods, some of the country's top FMCG CEOs said at the CII FMCG Summit in Mumbai on Monday.

- VIVEAT SUSAN PINTO

The government consolidated its four-tier GST rate structure into two - 5% and 18% - shifting a number of products including food & beverages into the 5% tax bracket.

While GST transition issues have hurt performance of companies in the last couple of months, that has wound down now, CEOs said. "A lot of us feel that GST 2.0 can be a defining moment for Indian FMCG. This is both from a consumption perspective as well as the reform bringing a more level playing field for small and large players," Sudhir Sitapati, MD & CEO,

SAUGATA GUPTA, MD & CEO, MARICO

Growth will be anchored on affordability and availability, along with the steady shift from unbranded to branded consumption.

SUDHANSHU VATS, MD, PIDILITE INDUSTRIES

Companies also need to engage the full consumption pyramid to be able to capitalise on the growth opportunity in the sector

KUMAR VENKATASUBRAMANIAN, CEO & MD, P&G INDIA